Greenwich people

Published 4:33 pm, Saturday, March 24, 2012

Keynote speaker Ryan Odinak, founder and executive director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, addressed a group of 25 Greenwich arts and cultural leaders at a February 15 meeting organized by the Greenwich Arts Council. The meeting was designed as a networking opportunity for directors and board leaders to learn more about the major changes being enacted in Connecticut state funding for the arts, and the consolidation of all arts and culture programs in the Department of Economic and Community Development. Odinak described the impacts of these changes for Greenwich organizations, and the need to embrace a more regional focus for public programming in this new political and economic environment. Pictured, Greenwich Arts Council Executive Director Paul Master-Karnik addresses the group.

Husband and wife Stephen and Kathleen Gamble, founders of Heartbeat International Ministries Foundation, were the featured speakers at the Feb. 15 Greenwich Rotary meeting. The Gambles, pictured with Greenwich Rotary President Jim Vivier, educated the group about their service and experience coordinating relief and charitable efforts in locations such as Louisiana, Trinidad, the Ukraine, Kenya, Bangladesh and Senegal. Stephen and Kathleen continue to work around the globe on an ongoing basis, overseeing multiple ministry outreaches including "Friends in Africa," "Waterworks" and "My Father's House." This nonprofit organization hosts the annual "Run for Africa" in Greenwich. This year's run is scheduled to take place Nov. 17. For more information, visit www.friendsinafricasenegal.com.

At its Feb. 1 meeting, the Rotary Club of Greenwich honored Greenwich Rotarian Dr. Charles Jensen for his 50-year membership of the group. Jensen was inducted into the Greenwich Rotary Jan. 31, 1962. At the time, the Rotary had its weekly luncheons at the Pickwick Arms Hotel. Jensen, who had established his dental practice three months prior, was sponsored by Greenwich physicians Dr. William Swartz and Dr. Hal Wright. His 50-year membership is unsurpassed in the local civic organization. Pictured, left to right, Sebastian Mendez of Polpo restaurant poses with Jensen and his 50th anniversary cake. Greenwich Rotary meetings take place at 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Polpo, 554 Old Post Road No. 3. All are welcome to attend.

The Greenwich Council, Boy Scouts of America has selected Kevin P. O'Shea as its new scout executive/chief executive officer. He will take over the top job beginning March 16. O'Shea comes to Greenwich after serving 16 years in various scouting positions, most recently as assistant scout executive of the Theodore Roosevelt Council in Massapequa, N.Y. In the Greenwich Council's 100th anniversary year, O'Shea is the 13th person to serve in the role of scout executive. For more information about Greenwich scouting visit www.greenwichscouting.org.